Carr’s comeback might be the game-changer Saints fans have been craving.
Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts after an injury during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The New Orleans Saints are grappling with their longest losing streak since 2005, though they’re banking on a pivotal comeback to shift the momentum.
Quarterback Derek Carr is set to return to practice on Wednesday, following a throwing session on Monday that will ultimately decide if he’s ready for the Week 9 matchup against the Panthers.
“I’m optimistic about it,” shared head coach Dennis Allen on Monday.
Carr has been out since sustaining an oblique injury in the second half of a Monday Night Football game against the Chiefs in Week 5. Rookie Spencer Rattler stepped up in his place, but his presence has led to three straight losses, with the offense producing less each game.
Derek Carr Stats: 2024 Regular Season
Across five games this season, Carr has completed 90 of 128 passes, boasting a 70.3% completion rate, racking up 989 yards, and scoring eight touchdowns alongside four interceptions. This marks the first time Carr has missed three starts in a season due to injury.
Despite multiple injuries last year, he managed to start all 17 games.
New Orleans hopes Carr’s return will revive an offense that’s struggled to find rhythm, averaging only 15.7 points through a six-game losing streak—its worst since 2005.
During Sunday’s 26-8 defeat to the Chargers at SoFi Stadium, the Saints couldn’t score a single touchdown, a season-first.
Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler started all three games in Carr’s absence
With Rattler under center, the Saints endured three consecutive losses, scoring just six points in each of the last two games. Late in both games, the Saints turned to second-year quarterback Jake Haener, who managed a couple of scoring drives, though not enough to fuel a comeback.
After beginning the season 2-0, the Saints have now dropped six straight games, bringing their 2024 season to a critical point.
The team’s struggles aren’t solely on Rattler’s shoulders, as the team has also contended with numerous injuries, defensive breakdowns, and penalties affecting both sides of the ball, adding to their uphill battle.
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Image Credit: © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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